The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) is preparing to make its international foray by launching a dual degree PhD programme in Japan. As part of this initiative, IIT-B will establish a dedicated centre in collaboration with Tohoku University over the next year. Initially, the focus will be on a PhD programme, with joint Master’s programmes to follow in due course.

Tohoku University is a prestigious, government-supported institution in Japan. The collaboration will begin with a research-driven PhD course, with plans to expand into MTech programmes soon after the initial phase.

This academic venture is widely regarded as a strategic partnership that aims to merge Japan’s advanced technological capabilities with India’s strengths in academia. The project is expected not only to enhance educational opportunities but also to strengthen India-Japan relations through mutual exchange of knowledge, joint research activities, and access to Japan’s world-class industrial and innovation ecosystems.

MoU Signed, Student Numbers Expected to Rise

Momentum for the dual degree programme grew after a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Japan last month. Currently, there are approximately 1,600 Indian students enrolled in higher education programmes across Japan, a figure anticipated to increase as a result of this collaboration. Notably, Japanese firms have consistently recruited graduates from IIT Bombay, adding further value to the emerging partnership.

Focus on Postgraduate Research and Innovation

Initially, the joint venture will concentrate on postgraduate education, particularly in areas emphasising research and innovation. There are no current plans to introduce undergraduate courses. The partnership is poised to create a synergistic link between Japan’s technological infrastructure and India’s expertise in software and engineering, offering new avenues for both academic and industrial progress.